Having an exciting young coach is this season's highlight for the Oregon State Beavers. LaVonda Wagner had an excellent first year although they played a very weak non-conference schedule. Her 14-13 record going into the Pac 10 Tournament, and a first day win were very exciting. However, huge personnel losses, coupled with a small roster will make this season quite a trial.
Losses include Kim Butler, Mandy Close, Anita Rivera, Tiffany Ducker and Karen Vickery, who combined to average 53 of their 63 points per game. That's right, only 10 points per game return.
Oregon State has no centers on their 9 person roster, which means a forward will play defensive center. They also have only three forwards, and here's the catch, all three are freshmen. Stacey Nichols played with our JJ Hones at Southridge and is a fine prospect. The 6-1 Nichols is already starting. She was a 4-time All State player while at Southridge. 6-2 freshman Whitney Champlin is the Beavers' tallest player. 5-11 freshman Judie Lomax is short for a front line player, but had a reputation in high school for being a strong rebounder.
At the guard position, 6-1 senior Casey Nash is the top returning scorer at 7 points per game. She'll play the 2 or 3 in what will surely be a three guard offense. She is not a three point shooter. 5-8 freshman Jasmine Smith from Pinole Valley will also start at Guard, and has already had a 20 point game. Jasmine is Oregon State's best recruit. She was All East Bay, and can both slash and hit the three.
Other guards include 5-8 senior Ebony Young, who has not played much in her career. She averaged 2 points per game in only 8 games last year. 5-8 freshman Julie Futch looks to be the point guard. Julie averaged 18 points, 5 assists and 5 steals a game as a high school senior, and had her jersey retired. Also looking for playing time is 5-10 junior Ashley Allen. Allen is interesting. She's a transfer from the University of Oregon. She could get playing time at point guard and may vie for the starter's position.
It looks like a very long season, which is why I include the next topic.
Recruiting: 4-star 6-3 center/forward Alexandria Mitchell should move right into the post position next season.
6-2 3-star forward Brittany Eskridge will certainly be a candidate to start.
5-11 Guard Talisa Rhea comes from Alaska and is not yet rated.
With 5 open scholarships, it should be a busy recruiting winter for Oregon State.
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